South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell met with U.S. Northern Command Commander General Gregory Guillot and Dual Status Commander Brigadier General Wes Morrison in Western North Carolina to discuss ongoing relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. Over 2,500 soldiers and airmen are actively working in the area, with additional reinforcements on the way.

Governor Cooper later visited Chimney Rock and Lake Lure to assess storm damage and express gratitude to volunteers. In Chimney Rock, he met with Mayor Peter O’Leary and surveyed Main Street before visiting the fire department to thank first responders. In Lake Lure, Cooper toured the damaged areas with Mayor Carol Pritchett.

“Today, I visited with military personnel and traveled to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure to talk with people there and see firsthand the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene,” said Governor Cooper. “These communities are home to family-owned businesses and neighbors who are helping one another. We will continue to work with Western North Carolina to respond and recover from this catastrophic storm.”

Efforts led by Joint Task Force-North Carolina include support from units across 12 states, two XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, as well as various civilian entities. They are utilizing over 40 helicopters and more than 1,100 specialized vehicles for their missions.

FEMA has disbursed over $33 million in Individual Assistance funds to affected residents in Western NC, where more than 109,000 people have registered for aid. The agency is also providing shelter for approximately 2,111 individuals through its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program.

The Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Cooper now encompasses 27 counties along with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Residents can apply for assistance via phone or online platforms.

More than 1,300 responders from various state agencies have completed numerous missions under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health professionals and emergency management teams among others.

Authorities warn against misinformation circulating about Hurricane Helene on social media platforms; official sources provide factual updates through designated web pages.

Food distribution continues through ground operations supported by air drops coordinated by the NC National Guard while shelters remain open across affected regions housing displaced residents along with pets.

As cleanup efforts proceed amidst challenging conditions due largely due road closures stemming primarily connected damages throughout region still persistently experiencing fluctuating power outages impacting thousands homes businesses alike further complicating recovery processes underway currently being managed statewide authorities urging caution avoiding unnecessary travel facilitating safe passage vital emergency services crucial operations ongoing within impacted zones right now today tomorrow foreseeable future beyond meanwhile official toll fatalities confirmed remains tragic number seventy-seven lives lost devastating impact disaster continues unfold across North Carolina's western territories calling upon collective resilience determination overcome adversity together stronger united stand rebuild restore what once was great vibrant community cherished beloved shared among us all